FIFA World Cup 2018: Volgograd prepares to host tournament

Stadium construction continues at a pace in Volgograd as the city prepares to host four group stage games during 2018 World Cup in Russia. The new 45,000-capacity Volgograd Arena was scheduled to be completed in December 2017. The stadium, 49.5 metres tall and 303 metres in diameter, is being built on the crest of a hill that slopes down to the Volga river and close to the Mamaev Kurgan memorial which commemorates the World War II Battle of Stalingrad. Volgograd was originally known as Stalingrad until a name change in 1961. This stadium will replace the Rotor stadium and will continue to be the home of FC Rotor Volgograd who compete in the second tier of Russian football - the Russian National Football League. (Video courtesy – SNTV)